Best Things to Do in Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park
We have pulled together a list of top activities you can do around Ayers Rock and Kata Tjuta - Olgas so you can experience the best things to do in Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. Includes tips on where to stay, top places, what to pack.
Are you wondering what is all the fuss about Uluru and why are so many people willing to undergo a tiring journey only to get closer to this incredible rock formation abruptly rising from the flat plain? In this guide, we might have some answers to the question of what are the best things to do at Ayers Rock and Uluru Kata - Tjuta National Park.
One of the reasons might be that people are fascinated by exceptional nature wanders, and as we live in the world where greater almost always means better - no wonder that Uluru, the world's largest monolith attracts so much attention. To give you a rough idea: Uluru is 348 m high, rises 863 m above sea level, is 3.6 km long, 1.9 km wide, and the circumference is 9.4 km.
The second reason is simple and for us certainly more important than numbers. Uluru altogether with equally interesting Kata Tjuta is absolutely breathtaking. Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park must be one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen.
So you're all set, planned your road trip thoroughly, set points of interest, and in a nutshell, you are prepared to see something outstanding. What you might not be prepared for is the immensity and stillness of the rock which will amaze you no matter how many times you've seen photos before.
Simply put, words and photos don't do justice to the beauty of Ayers Rock and the Olgas.
We stayed in the national park for three days and couldn't get enough of it. But Kata - Tjuta National Park is not only about Uluru although we can't deny it is the park's main feature.
We pulled together a list of 5 best things you shouldn't miss when visiting Australia's Red Centre, and to help you when planning Australia Itinerary.
#1 WATCH ULURU SUNSETS AND SUNRISES
Try to catch as many sunrises and sunsets as you can while at Ayers Rock.
Both Uluru and Kata Tjuta are exceptionally stunning when the first and last sun rays of the day touch its surface, and this real-time color transformation is one of the main reasons for a visit.
The color of the rocks changes from light orange to crimson red and finally to violet dusk and creates an incredible spectacle.
There are several viewing platforms around so find your spot and wait for the show to begin.
#2 AYERS ROCK BASE WALK
The walk around Ayers Rock base is 10 km long and takes around 3 hours at a leisure pace.
The path bypassing the monolith is flat, the only obstacle can be the heat. From a distance, Uluru looks like one solid piece of rock and walking around might not sound like fun.
The opposite is true.
We were genuinely surprised how the surface of Uluru is diverse as we walked around gaps, ridges, slopes, grooves, canyons and even small valleys with green vegetation carved into it. The Uluru's area is rough without much rain, but from time to time you can spot blackish parched trails hollowed out by water.
At the end of the trek, it is possible to walk inside the small cave with rock arts from original inhabitants.
There are many places from where to capture great photos, so it is not hard to obey a few photographic restrictions along the way.
You can check out our super useful guide to Ayers Rock for more information.
#3 WALPA GORGE WALK
This walk is near Kata Tjuta area, so we had to drive here from Uluru approximately 45 minutes by our rental car, and we spent the whole afternoon in Olgas after that, waiting for the sunset.
Walpa Gorge Walk is a gentle trek, only 2.6 km return which leads you along the natural creek to viewing platform observing a desert refugee for plants and animals between two of the tallest domes in Kata Tjuta.
It is sometimes unbelievable seeing the plants to grow and thrive in such harsh conditions, considering we felt so parched in the afternoon heat.
#4 THE VALLEY OF THE WINDS WALK
The Valley of the Windsis is a signature hike in Olgas is 7.4 km loop, and it takes you through spectacular landscape.
The rocky trail leads between impressive red domes (36 domes around 500 million years old) and climbs to the two lookouts overlooking the desert area.
Also make sure you'll have time to finish the walk and move to sunset viewing platform.
This is together with Kings Canyon Rim Walk one of our favorite hikes in Australia.
#5 EXPLORE THE RED SAND DUNES
This one is not as easy as it sounds because dry vegetation covers most of the ground here, but after you turn off from Stuart Highway to Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, there are places along the way, where the flat red dirt turns into small hills and creates unspoiled red dunes.
It’s time to stretch your legs!
AYERS ROCK TOURS
Although it's perfectly fine to visit Ayers Rock without a guide, some travelers might prefer a company of a knowledgable guide, who will explain everything about Uluru and traditional Aboriginal life.
Then consider this guided tour - Uluru's Base Walk.
Visitors, who don't want to drive or just want to experience a true outback adventure, might want to consider a guided tour.
This 4-Day Uluru Outback Tour will allow you to see the best of Uluru and King's Canyon have to offer.
WHAT TO PACK FOR ULURU & KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK
The area around Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the Australian outback is dry and hot, and the sun is unforgiving, it is not uncommon to experience high temperatures around 40°C.
Not many people can imagine though that from May to September, nights are very cold, and temperatures can drop below zero.
As you can see, the climate in the Red Center is extreme, and you should pack following the most essential things to ensure your trip will be comfortable.
- Hiking Boots for Him & for Her | Hiking is the best way how to enjoy the unique scenery, the 10 kilometers long walk around Uluru was unforgettable, so bring sturdy shoes with you.
- Protection Against Sun - Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Lipbalm with Sunscreen, Hat | Sun in the Red Center is harsh, do not walk outside without proper protection.
- Swimsuit for Him & for Her | Almost every hotel or even campground has a swimming pool to cool down, so don't forget to bring your swimsuit.
- Long Pants for Him & for Her | It can be really cold during Australian winter, so pack long pants, but some people prefer to wear long trousers even in summer because almost everything in Australia is poisonous, and it is better to have legs covered.
- Headtorch | Uluru and Kata Tjuta are the most famous for sunrises and sunsets, and it means one thing. You need headtorch as you will be getting up early and going to bed late at night.
- Camera | Australian Outback is so photogenic, consider buying a quality camera to capture the beauty.
- Water Bottle | It is important to stay hydrated. We drank every day more than four liters because of terrible heat. Do not underestimate it!
WHERE TO STAY IN AYERS ROCK
Ayers Rock is a premium location, the lodging availability is limited and the hotels are expensive.
We recommend you to stay at Desert Gardens Hotel - featuring a hotel pool, rooms set among native gardens, air-conditioned spacious rooms, and just 5-minute walk to the Uluru sunset viewpoint.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
